For every shinobi, money is an essential tool of survival — especially for Genin and Chunin. Even in a world governed by chakra, the saying "a poor craftsman has no sharp tools" still applies. Ninja tools, rations, explosive tags, and even missions themselves all require funding.
In this C-rank mission, Team 7 encountered no major threats. It was a standard escort assignment, with only a few bandits attempting to ambush them along the way — laughable opponents before trained shinobi. The mission was completed smoothly; the caravan was safely delivered to Kyoto, the capital of the Land of Fire.
While the task held little significance for Menma, Naruto, or Sasuke, for Haruno Sakura, it carried weight. It helped her ease the anxiety left behind by the Wave Country mission — the one that had nearly shattered her resolve. Kakashi had chosen this mission deliberately, not because of its reward, but because he wanted to help his student rediscover balance.
Though Sakura often felt overshadowed by her teammates, Kakashi understood her value. Her chakra control was exceptional — far beyond average. What took most Genin days to perfect, she had mastered in a single afternoon. Even Kakashi himself quietly admitted that her fine control surpassed his at that age.
In the hierarchical structure of Konohagakure, the bond between a team leader and his squad members was second only to that of a master and disciple. Watching Sakura slowly adapt to the rhythm of a true shinobi, Kakashi felt a flicker of satisfaction.
Adaptability — that was the mark of a real ninja.
Many young Genin, fresh from the Academy, failed to adjust to the brutal reality of missions. Some, after witnessing death or failure, simply retired, unable to bear the mental strain. It wasn't spoken of often, but it happened — even among Kakashi's peers during the Third Great Ninja War. He had feared Sakura might follow that path after the Wave arc, but she hadn't broken. She was shaken, yes, but not destroyed.
'She really is a seed worth nurturing,' Kakashi thought, glancing at her quietly.
The manga had portrayed Sakura's immaturity early on — shallow, timid, and self-centered. But it also showed her later growth. From fragile to fearless, from useless to indispensable — that development began here. Growth is most visible when one starts from the bottom.
And Sakura had nowhere to go but up.
Over the next few months, Team 7 continued to take on various C-rank missions — escorting merchants, subduing rampaging beasts, patrolling borders, guarding minor nobles, even retrieving confidential scrolls. Each mission honed their teamwork and instincts.
For a shinobi, the true measure of ability is not righteousness or ideals — it's execution. The ninja creed teaches that missions come before morality, duty before emotion. Kakashi, molded by war, understood this better than anyone.
Under his leadership, Team 7's efficiency soared. Their success rate quickly surpassed that of most rookie teams, even those with two years more experience. In just two to three months, they completed enough C-rank missions to rival veteran Genin squads.
By then, even Sakura could handle a C-rank assignment with composure — a remarkable leap from where she started.
When the time was right, Kakashi finally led his squad to accept their first official B-rank mission. Though the threat was minimal — a group of rogue shinobi and bandits — the difference in combat intensity was clear. It marked their first taste of genuine shinobi battle.
Such missions separated real ninjas from those who only bore the title.
Unknowingly, Team 7 had already surpassed most other rookie teams. Even compared to Asuma's or Kurenai's squads, Kakashi's team now operated at a different level. Their coordination, success rate, and mission volume were all far above the standard.
If they continued at this pace, promotion to Chunin was only a matter of time.
As the weeks passed and summer warmed the Hidden Leaf, time flowed toward an inevitable turning point — the beginning of a new chapter in every young shinobi's life.
⸻
Hokage Building — Morning
Inside the office of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the air was thick with pipe smoke and quiet authority. Rows of seasoned ninjas filled the chamber — Jonin and Chunin alike, most of them team leaders. Among them stood Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, Yūhi Kurenai, and several academy instructors, including Umino Iruka.
"The time has come," Hiruzen said, exhaling a cloud of smoke as his wise, battle-worn eyes swept across the room.
"This year's Chunin Exams will be held jointly by the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Sand. Teams from every major village have already begun to arrive. Now, it's time for us to finalize our list of participants. If any team leaders wish to recommend their Genin, speak now."
The murmurs in the room faded into silence. The next stage of the shinobi path — the Chunin Selection Exams — had begun.
And for Team 7… destiny was about to call.